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SobeSavvy had the pleasure of attending a cocktail and networking event at Hublot’s Bal Harbour Boutique. We had the opportunity to meet and interview famed artist Hebru Brantley on Fri Dec 6, 2013 . Hublot partnered with Brantley and the Mourning Family Foundation for Art Week Miami. There were art pieces on display and he donated an original piece to Tracy and Alonzo Mourning to benefit Mourning Family Foundation.
Mr. Brantley’s art can only be described in one word. Different.The famed Chicago-based artist transformed the luxury Swiss watch boutique into his own palette of imagination.
His website www.http://hebrubrantley.com describes it as..”a creative process akin to free-form journaling, using a variety of surfaces and media including wood, spray paint, coffee and tea. His work delves into political and social issues with a conscious focus on playful insight and the optimism and possibilities of youth”. I found his work colorful, playful and striking.

I interviewed Mr Brantley at the event:

What convinced you to partner with Hublot Watches ?

..”They are not a conventional brand and I am not a conventional artist so it is perfect for me.”

Do you ever fear that commercialization will ever overshadow your actual art?

..”No, with me it is integrity first. I partnered with a brand like Hubolt because they are a luxury brand, They are not a Coke or Pepsi . My art may be whimsical or playful but my fans and buyers are serious collectors who have serious collections so I do not worry about that.”

Have you ever considered doing an animated series or short films ?

” I am working on it. Most people outside of America get their initial knowledge about America from cartoons and animated films.I want to do something that while it may be aesthetically pleasing more importantly I want it to be thought provoking.”

Enjoy the pics from the event and I want to say a special thank you to Mr Brantley who took time out of a very busy day for the interview.

‘Lovely’ Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy
“Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond! ”

AQUA 13 Art Miami was held from December 4 – 8, 2013 at the Aqua Hotel, located at 1530 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

AQUA 13 Art Miami celebrated its ninth consecutive installment this December and its first as one of the Art Miami LLC family of fairs. It is one of the best fairs for emerging art during Miami's Art Week. Over the years, the fair has been recognized for presenting vibrant and noteworthy international art programs with a particular interest in supporting young dealers and galleries with strong emerging and early-to-mid-career artists.

Set within a classic South Beach hotel with spacious exhibition rooms that open onto a breezy intimate courtyard, Aqua's surroundings was certainly a favorite gathering spot not only for fun and relaxation during the busy week but also as a place to exchange and disseminate new contemporary art ideas. And with its close proximity to Art Basel and continuous shuttle service to Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami, Aqua Art Miami transformed into one of the top attended satellite art events for collectors, artists, curators, critics and art enthusiasts alike!

On Wednesday, December 4th, 2013, I attended the VIP Preview: Access for Art Miami, CONTEXT and Aqua Art Miami VIP Cardholders and Press. Aqua Art Miami featured 45 dynamic young galleries from North and South America, Europe and Asia; and innovative special programming including performance art, new media and solo installations. With this commitment to artistic excellence, along with building a dynamic young marketplace with new and increased opportunities around marketing and audience services, Aqua Art Miami surpassed all expectations! For more information, go to http://www.aquaartmiami.com and Follow @AquaArtMiami.

Here is a photo recap of some of my favorite art featured at AQUA 13 Art Miami ! Enjoy!

'Lovely' Leslie Heigh ~ Follow @IJust_LoveThis #SobeSavvy
"Social Butterfly News for South Beach and Beyond! "